Villars brings together mining history, architecture and city parks as different highlights for a stay. The Musée Jean-Marie Somet introduces visitors to the history of the town and passementerie; trails and green spaces offer other things to explore. When planning, it is worth treating cultural sites, park visits and walks as separate parts of your itinerary.
Mining History in the Museum and Church
The Musée Jean-Marie Somet displays collections on the history of Villars, mining and passementerie, the making of decorative trimmings. One focus is the hard and often dangerous work underground in the mine. Those interested in industrial history will find both the history of the town and accounts of mining work here; the collection also covers topics beyond this area.
The museum is free to visit on Saturdays from 2:30 to 5:30 pm; other visits are possible by appointment. Before travelling, check that the opening hours and any appointment arrangements suit your visit.
The Église Saint-Laurent was built between 1860 and 1862 to replace Villars’s older 14th-century church. Its stained-glass windows bear the signature of Alexandre Mauvernay, a glass artist based in Saint-Galmier. The construction dates, the earlier church and the artist’s name provide three specific points of reference for the church’s history.
City Parks with Different Features
The 11-hectare Parc Jean-Marc is situated on former mining and marshland crossed by the Riotord. Wide lawns, children’s play areas and ponds with diverse wildlife are among the park’s features, and it can be enjoyed for recreation. There is also a cycle path, pony rides and a small railway. Some activities may be seasonal.
The Parc de la Sapinière is a 5.3-hectare city park stretching from the Bois de la Sapinière to the town centre. Its play area is divided into three sections for different age groups. A path crosses the area of the retention basin and continues into the Bois de la Sapinière. The Bois de la Sapinière reopened to the public after extensive felling and reforestation work; check the current access conditions before visiting.
At Square du puits Beaunier, the site of the former shaft of the Beaunier mine has been landscaped. The viewpoint gives walkers a view of Villars town centre and the surrounding hills. This spot thus combines the landscaped former mine site with a wide view over the town.
Walks and Getting Around
The “Détours à Villars” circular route is 4.5 kilometres long and marked with yellow PR waymarks from the Fédération française de randonnée pédestre de la Loire. Route 14, “À l’ouest: du charbon et du fer,” heads towards the town centre along Rue de la République to Place Gambetta in front of the church. The information distinguishes between a numbered circular route and a route with a described course and destination. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
For Vélivert self-service bicycle hire, stations are located at Place Gambetta and in Parc Jean Marc. Check station availability in advance.
When choosing a hotel in Villars, the focus of your stay can help guide your decision: the museum and church history offer a different kind of experience from the parks, viewpoints and walking trails. Consider which of these topics you would like to include and plan your visits accordingly. This makes it possible to assess Villars as a place to stay based on specific interests, without trying to fit every activity into a single day’s itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Usson-En-Forez, Firminy, Violay, Sail-Sous-Couzan, Les Noës, Burdignes, Saint-Didier-Sur-Rochefort, La Terrasse-Sur-Dorlay.
Return to the main travel overview: Loire.
